IN her tireless pursuit of completing 100 marathons, Hoad Hill Harriers veteran Penny Moreton flew to Palma, Mallorca to take part in the 261 Women’s Marathon.

Organised by American author, TV commentator and Boston Marathon history-maker Kathrine Switzer, this event is the only women’s marathon in Europe.

Staged as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, the event attracted competitors from as far afield as Austria and Norway.

Switzer set up the 261 Women’s Marathon – now in its second year – as a celebration of defying the conventions of the time and entering the Boston Marathon back in 1967. This was a time when 10k and marathon running events were seen as a male-only domain.

As Moreton explained: “Women were considered too weak to run, but despite the organisers trying to pull her from the race, Switzer completed the race in 4 hours 20 minutes proving that women – when given the opportunity – were capable of running in such events.

“Switzer believed women deserved the chance to run and demolished stereotypes by her participation.

“Her race number in 1967 – 261 – is the event symbol of her fearless feat.”

The 261 Women’s Marathon route is a combination of loops, following the initial 10k loop of the 10k race and then three laps along the waterfront inclusive of Palma port and encircling the cathedral in front of the Parc de la Mar.

Kathrine Switzer with a mile to go in the difficult Motatapu Off-Road Marathon, in the South Island of New Zealand. 2010.

Who is Kathrine Switzer?

Iconic athlete, sports and social advocate, author, and Emmy award-winning television commentator, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon. She has been honored widely for her achievements, most recently being inducted into the USA National Women’s Hall of Fame for creating positive social change. The ramifications of this work is both joyful and profound, changing forever the face of sports, health, and opportunities for women around the world and fearlessly empowering millions beyond the finish line, especially through the non-profit “261® Fearless, Inc.”